How severe is CVE-2026-20042?

CVE-2026-20042 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2026-20042 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-20042?

CVE-2026-20042 affects Cisco Nexus Dashboard. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-20042?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

Does CVE-2026-20042 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2026-20042 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-17935.

When was CVE-2026-20042 published?

CVE-2026-20042 was published on 2026-04-01 and last updated on 2026-07-08.

CVE-2026-20042

CVE-2026-20042 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Cisco Nexus Dashboard with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-295.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (21st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-17935
Weakness: CWE-295
Affected product: Cisco Nexus Dashboard
Published: 2026-04-01
Last modified: 2026-07-08

Description

A vulnerability in the configuration backup feature of Cisco Nexus Dashboard could allow an attacker who has the encryption password and access to Full or Config-only backup files to access sensitive information. This vulnerability exists because authentication details are included in the encrypted backup files. An attacker with a valid backup file and encryption password from an affected device could decrypt the backup file. The attacker could then use the authentication details in the backup file to access internal-only APIs on the affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system as the root user.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-20042?: A vulnerability in the configuration backup feature of Cisco Nexus Dashboard could allow an attacker who has the encryption password and access to Full or Config-only backup files to access sensitive information. This vulnerability exists because authentication details are included in the encrypted backup files. An attacker with a valid backup file and encryption password from an affected device could decrypt the backup file. The attacker could then use the authentication details in the backup file to access internal-only APIs on the affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system as the root user.
How severe is CVE-2026-20042?: CVE-2026-20042 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2026-20042 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (21st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-20042?: CVE-2026-20042 affects Cisco Nexus Dashboard. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-20042?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2026-20042 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2026-20042 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-17935.
When was CVE-2026-20042 published?: CVE-2026-20042 was published on 2026-04-01 and last updated on 2026-07-08.

References

https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-nd-cbid-5YqkOSHu

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:cisco:nexus_dashboard:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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